Cycling Shorts Recommendations
02-02-20, 07:42 AM
#26
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Thread Starter
Question
That is not the question, at least in my case. Don't mind spending the appropriate amount of money to get something of quality, that performs well and is durable getting good use out of for a long period of time. But I am not going to spend high end money for just a name on a product that does not perform,period. I am sick of this marketing, hype game and just want honest products at a fair price...Thanks,mjac
02-02-20, 08:00 AM
#27
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Thread Starter
$15
I've tried only the Aero Tech Pro shorts, which despite the "pro" moniker are very entry level shorts in fabric and fit. Good but nothing special. They're more like padded underwear with very light compression.
The Przewalski shorts use better fabric, much more comfortable pads, and generally look, fit and feel like more expensive shorts and bibs. Same with Spotti, which appear to be the same manufacturer -- my Spotti bibs with capri length legs have a Coolmax pad labeled "Przewalski." And I find the bib mesh fabric suspenders more comfortable than the Black Bibs (which aren't bad at all and are pretty good values).
Here's the main difference I see between the Coolmax pads used by Przewalski and Spotti: the original orange pad is thicker all around, comfortable but maybe a little thick where it isn't absolutely necessary. The yellow/black two tone fade pad is thick only in the high pressure zones, and thinner elsewhere. Both have been comfortable on many rides of 20-50 miles, and a few of 60-100+ miles. (Part of that is due to better saddles, good bike fit, etc.)
My size is a bit of an awkward in-between, at 5'11" and 150 lbs. I have bird legs and disproportionate upper body. So I can wear medium and some large tops, but not small. But I can wear small or medium bottoms. The Przewalski shorts fit me well in medium but I wanted a bit more compression, so when a pair of the small went on sale for $15 I tried 'em. Perfect fit at my current weight, with the compression I was looking for to give a little more support to the thighs.
The Przewalski shorts use better fabric, much more comfortable pads, and generally look, fit and feel like more expensive shorts and bibs. Same with Spotti, which appear to be the same manufacturer -- my Spotti bibs with capri length legs have a Coolmax pad labeled "Przewalski." And I find the bib mesh fabric suspenders more comfortable than the Black Bibs (which aren't bad at all and are pretty good values).
Here's the main difference I see between the Coolmax pads used by Przewalski and Spotti: the original orange pad is thicker all around, comfortable but maybe a little thick where it isn't absolutely necessary. The yellow/black two tone fade pad is thick only in the high pressure zones, and thinner elsewhere. Both have been comfortable on many rides of 20-50 miles, and a few of 60-100+ miles. (Part of that is due to better saddles, good bike fit, etc.)
My size is a bit of an awkward in-between, at 5'11" and 150 lbs. I have bird legs and disproportionate upper body. So I can wear medium and some large tops, but not small. But I can wear small or medium bottoms. The Przewalski shorts fit me well in medium but I wanted a bit more compression, so when a pair of the small went on sale for $15 I tried 'em. Perfect fit at my current weight, with the compression I was looking for to give a little more support to the thighs.
02-02-20, 08:12 AM
#28
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Castelli does have a shorts (not bibs) version of the Free Aero Race, and also the same chamois is found in their Endurance2 shorts. Fwiw, I've also had a lot of luck with Sugoi stuff (RC Pro chamois can be found in their "Evolution" short).
You're probably not this size, but good price for these:
https://www.steepandcheap.com/castel...E0MTExMDAwMzU=
02-02-20, 08:13 AM
#29
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Thread Starter
I think you need to spend some time investigating chamois pad thicknesses and the materials used. You have two samples already that did not work for you. So at least you have two data reference points to go on with LG and PI. You might also consider Tri-bibs by DeSoto. The 400 mile pad is thicker but the Mobius and Carrera have minimal padding.
02-02-20, 08:31 AM
#30
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Thread Starter
Your Right
I have to go with shorts, the summers are too hot here. I tried to do some investigating but everything keeps coming up craps. One extreme example, from several people," AeroTech Designs are the most comfortable shorts I have ever worn and I have tried several." Then in this very thread, " I hate AeroTech Designs, they tried to saw my balls off." Then you throw in the Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau experience, two highly recommended brands by several people, what are you going to do? It looks more and more like a trial and error thing because everyone is different. So I am only going to order shorts through Amazon Prime with free returns until something hits. I am not going to pay shipping to return something that was falsely advertised and marketed...Thanks,mjac
Buy from a place that allows returns. You'll never know how something will feel to you reading about it on a website.
Castelli does have a shorts (not bibs) version of the Free Aero Race, and also the same chamois is found in their Endurance2 shorts. Fwiw, I've also had a lot of luck with Sugoi stuff (RC Pro chamois can be found in their "Evolution" short).
You're probably not this size, but good price for these:
https://www.steepandcheap.com/castel...E0MTExMDAwMzU=
Castelli does have a shorts (not bibs) version of the Free Aero Race, and also the same chamois is found in their Endurance2 shorts. Fwiw, I've also had a lot of luck with Sugoi stuff (RC Pro chamois can be found in their "Evolution" short).
You're probably not this size, but good price for these:
https://www.steepandcheap.com/castel...E0MTExMDAwMzU=
Yeah, that happens to me all the time. One of these places puts something on sale and only one size is available. Might look on Amazon for Castelli,Sugoi or Pwsalski. Is Castelli an Old School type company with high standards?...Thanks,mjac
02-02-20, 10:19 AM
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Pick any pair of bibs and you'll find people that think they are great and others that will say they were horrible. It's unfortunate, but you just have to try different ones and see what you like and you'll waste some money returning stuff and will probably end up keeping a few that seem ok at first. I went through a few different bibs before picking up some Pactimo bibs on sale and they work great for me. They are not inexpensive but they do have really good sales at least a couple of times a year.
02-02-20, 11:57 AM
#32
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Thread Starter
Pick any pair of bibs and you'll find people that think they are great and others that will say they were horrible. It's unfortunate, but you just have to try different ones and see what you like and you'll waste some money returning stuff and will probably end up keeping a few that seem ok at first. I went through a few different bibs before picking up some Pactimo bibs on sale and they work great for me. They are not inexpensive but they do have really good sales at least a couple of times a year.
02-02-20, 12:37 PM
#33
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Pick any pair of bibs and you'll find people that think they are great and others that will say they were horrible. It's unfortunate, but you just have to try different ones and see what you like and you'll waste some money returning stuff and will probably end up keeping a few that seem ok at first. I went through a few different bibs before picking up some Pactimo bibs on sale and they work great for me. They are not inexpensive but they do have really good sales at least a couple of times a year.
Pactimo, PI, Castelli, Sugoi... the expensive shorts/bibs/jerseys are worth the price after dozens of 3-4+ hour rides. Buy cheap gear, feel it in the rear. Cheap pads/chamois designs create hotspots and lead to more sores. Nicer gear with Chamois Butt’r (or any similar) and life is too good to not be out pedaling! Expensive shorts/bibs are expensive because they work and they last. Pricey bike + cheap clothing = bad time. Use your head for something other than a place to wrap your helmet.
02-02-20, 12:37 PM
#34
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I don't think you'll find much to select from on Amazon, aside from a lot of chinese odd-name brands, that are also eligible for Free Returns. These might be fine however.. ymmv.
You may be better served ordering from a cycling specific site (eg. Competitive Cyclist, JensonUSA, etc) but get 3-4 pairs, and return once (I think flat rate of $7-9 for return shipping)
You may be better served ordering from a cycling specific site (eg. Competitive Cyclist, JensonUSA, etc) but get 3-4 pairs, and return once (I think flat rate of $7-9 for return shipping)
02-02-20, 01:17 PM
#35
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Thread Starter
Pactimo, PI, Castelli, Sugoi... the expensive shorts/bibs/jerseys are worth the price after dozens of 3-4+ hour rides. Buy cheap gear, feel it in the rear. Cheap pads/chamois designs create hotspots and lead to more sores. Nicer gear with Chamois Butt’r (or any similar) and life is too good to not be out pedaling! Expensive shorts/bibs are expensive because they work and they last. Pricey bike + cheap clothing = bad time. Use your head for something other than a place to wrap your helmet.
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02-02-20, 01:29 PM
#36
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Thread Starter
I don't think you'll find much to select from on Amazon, aside from a lot of chinese odd-name brands, that are also eligible for Free Returns. These might be fine however.. ymmv.
You may be better served ordering from a cycling specific site (eg. Competitive Cyclist, JensonUSA, etc) but get 3-4 pairs, and return once (I think flat rate of $7-9 for return shipping)
You may be better served ordering from a cycling specific site (eg. Competitive Cyclist, JensonUSA, etc) but get 3-4 pairs, and return once (I think flat rate of $7-9 for return shipping)
02-02-20, 02:28 PM
#37
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Okay, bottom line. Name the companies in order top to bottom that you are getting your money's worth;Pactimo, Pear Izumi, Castelli, Sugoi,any others? The problem with this theory is that I went with Louis Garneau and Pearl Izumi,two highly recommended companies, their higher end stuff I caught on sale and they were garbage. I ordered the Pearl Izumi, then went on their own blog and old, loyal Pearl Izumi customers for 15 and 20 years, one after another stated the old 3D gel chamois was great and they all loved it but the new design chamois was trash and well below Pearl Izumi's old standards. One after another. A whole list of people. You can't win. It s trial and error. That's all there is to it...Thanks,mjac
You deserve to plant your cheeks upon the nicest, most supple and effective chamois that $18 can buy, because those expensive bibs and shorts are obviously just a scam, they don't ride well, the fit is totally off, and no one is buying them. That's why those companies are so big in cycling- because NO ONE is riding their gear. Because they all suck. They're just names, no substance, no quality, and certainly no endorsements from @mjac. I'm switching over to Hanes with a Kleenex liner since @mjac has opened my eyes to the inferior quality of those terrible name brand bibs and shorts. Phwew! Dodged a bullet. Or was that a buttlet?
02-02-20, 02:52 PM
#38
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It's become quite clear that you are a very discerning rider whose taint is comprised of the finest peri-hide. You deserve to plant your cheeks upon the nicest, most supple and effective chamois that $18 can buy, because those expensive bibs and shorts are obviously just a scam, they don't ride well, the fit is totally off, and no one is buying them. That's why those companies are so big in cycling- because NO ONE is riding their gear. Because they all suck. They're just names, no substance, no quality, and certainly no endorsements from @mjac. I'm switching over to Hanes with a Kleenex liner since @mjac has opened my eyes to the inferior quality of those terrible name brand bibs and shorts. Phwew! Dodged a bullet. Or was that a buttlet?
You deserve to plant your cheeks upon the nicest, most supple and effective chamois that $18 can buy, because those expensive bibs and shorts are obviously just a scam, they don't ride well, the fit is totally off, and no one is buying them. That's why those companies are so big in cycling- because NO ONE is riding their gear. Because they all suck. They're just names, no substance, no quality, and certainly no endorsements from @mjac. I'm switching over to Hanes with a Kleenex liner since @mjac has opened my eyes to the inferior quality of those terrible name brand bibs and shorts. Phwew! Dodged a bullet. Or was that a buttlet?
02-02-20, 03:59 PM
#39
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I have one pair of Aero Tech bib shorts and love them. I am thinking about getting another pair and am just waiting for a sale. Speaking of which, anyone know when the next sale will be?
Anyway. For me what I like about the bib shorts is the fit. They fit me better than any other bib short I have bought to date. Maybe that's because I have been poorly sized shorts. Had to say/know. In any event, I do recommend you give them a try.
Anyway. For me what I like about the bib shorts is the fit. They fit me better than any other bib short I have bought to date. Maybe that's because I have been poorly sized shorts. Had to say/know. In any event, I do recommend you give them a try.
02-02-20, 04:03 PM
#40
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I have bought the Louis Garneau Tour Cycling Shorts and the Pearl Izumi Peleton ( I believe) Cycling Shorts, two highly recommended brands, and the Pad was so clunky and unbearable I sent them both back, one at my expense. Anyone want to weigh in on Aerotech Designs....Thanks, mjac
Okay lets edit this, any brand you would recommend. I am frustrated here and felt like I paid for a name. Do not want to do that again.
Okay lets edit this, any brand you would recommend. I am frustrated here and felt like I paid for a name. Do not want to do that again.
Voler makes shorts using Elastic Interface Technology Comp HP pads with 120 kg/m^3 foam beneath the sit bones. I find those even more comfortable for all day rides.
02-02-20, 04:10 PM
#41
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Thread Starter
I have one pair of Aero Tech bib shorts and love them. I am thinking about getting another pair and am just waiting for a sale. Speaking of which, anyone know when the next sale will be?
Anyway. For me what I like about the bib shorts is the fit. They fit me better than any other bib short I have bought to date. Maybe that's because I have been poorly sized shorts. Had to say/know. In any event, I do recommend you give them a try.
Anyway. For me what I like about the bib shorts is the fit. They fit me better than any other bib short I have bought to date. Maybe that's because I have been poorly sized shorts. Had to say/know. In any event, I do recommend you give them a try.
02-02-20, 04:13 PM
#42
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Thread Starter
Boure still makes shorts with synthetic leather chamois. I'd wear those over any short with squishy foam.
Voler makes shorts using Elastic Interface Technology Comp HP pads with 120 kg/m^3 foam beneath the sit bones. I find those even more comfortable for all day rides.
Voler makes shorts using Elastic Interface Technology Comp HP pads with 120 kg/m^3 foam beneath the sit bones. I find those even more comfortable for all day rides.
02-02-20, 04:31 PM
#43
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It makes a difference what kind of bike or trike you will ride. If you ride a recumbent bike and trike like I do, almost any inexpensive shorts will do. I for instance wear Champion rugby shorts that only cost $15. I can wear these since I dont have to be protected from a bicycle seat. I am basically riding on a lawn chair.
02-02-20, 05:10 PM
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I haave some spendy stuff from REI and Cafe du Cycliste and others, but my dailies I rely on most every day now are Sponeed, Santic, and Przew--whatever it's called. I like those three all equally well. Other people are raving about Ceroti, also available on amazon. My current long ride right now is about 80 miles and I have zero backside issues after riding that distance with any of the three The idea that you have to spend $200 on shorts or they are crap is not an accurate staemtent in my experience.
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02-02-20, 05:15 PM
#45
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[QUOTE=rydabent;21310588]It makes a difference what kind of bike or trike you will ride. If you ride a recumbent bike and trike like I do, almost any inexpensive shorts will do. I for instance wear Champion rugby shorts that only cost $15. I can wear these since I dont have to be protected from a bicycle seat. I am basically riding on a lawn chair.[/QUOTE}
I am not recumbent, traditional. Looking for a solid short, with good compression and a comfortable pad. That is it. A company that says what their short will do and the short does what they said it would do. No phony marketing...Thanks,mjac
I am not recumbent, traditional. Looking for a solid short, with good compression and a comfortable pad. That is it. A company that says what their short will do and the short does what they said it would do. No phony marketing...Thanks,mjac
02-02-20, 08:27 PM
#46
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I will never buy anything other than Aero Tech again. Someone here recommended them about 4 years ago. I tried them out and love them.
02-03-20, 05:27 AM
#47
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Thread Starter
Przewalski
I've tried only the Aero Tech Pro shorts, which despite the "pro" moniker are very entry level shorts in fabric and fit. Good but nothing special. They're more like padded underwear with very light compression.
The Przewalski shorts use better fabric, much more comfortable pads, and generally look, fit and feel like more expensive shorts and bibs. Same with Spotti, which appear to be the same manufacturer -- my Spotti bibs with capri length legs have a Coolmax pad labeled "Przewalski." And I find the bib mesh fabric suspenders more comfortable than the Black Bibs (which aren't bad at all and are pretty good values).
Here's the main difference I see between the Coolmax pads used by Przewalski and Spotti: the original orange pad is thicker all around, comfortable but maybe a little thick where it isn't absolutely necessary. The yellow/black two tone fade pad is thick only in the high pressure zones, and thinner elsewhere. Both have been comfortable on many rides of 20-50 miles, and a few of 60-100+ miles. (Part of that is due to better saddles, good bike fit, etc.)
My size is a bit of an awkward in-between, at 5'11" and 150 lbs. I have bird legs and disproportionate upper body. So I can wear medium and some large tops, but not small. But I can wear small or medium bottoms. The Przewalski shorts fit me well in medium but I wanted a bit more compression, so when a pair of the small went on sale for $15 I tried 'em. Perfect fit at my current weight, with the compression I was looking for to give a little more support to the thighs.
The Przewalski shorts use better fabric, much more comfortable pads, and generally look, fit and feel like more expensive shorts and bibs. Same with Spotti, which appear to be the same manufacturer -- my Spotti bibs with capri length legs have a Coolmax pad labeled "Przewalski." And I find the bib mesh fabric suspenders more comfortable than the Black Bibs (which aren't bad at all and are pretty good values).
Here's the main difference I see between the Coolmax pads used by Przewalski and Spotti: the original orange pad is thicker all around, comfortable but maybe a little thick where it isn't absolutely necessary. The yellow/black two tone fade pad is thick only in the high pressure zones, and thinner elsewhere. Both have been comfortable on many rides of 20-50 miles, and a few of 60-100+ miles. (Part of that is due to better saddles, good bike fit, etc.)
My size is a bit of an awkward in-between, at 5'11" and 150 lbs. I have bird legs and disproportionate upper body. So I can wear medium and some large tops, but not small. But I can wear small or medium bottoms. The Przewalski shorts fit me well in medium but I wanted a bit more compression, so when a pair of the small went on sale for $15 I tried 'em. Perfect fit at my current weight, with the compression I was looking for to give a little more support to the thighs.
02-03-20, 06:44 AM
#49
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Thread Starter
I haave some spendy stuff from REI and Cafe du Cycliste and others, but my dailies I rely on most every day now are Sponeed, Santic, and Przew--whatever it's called. I like those three all equally well. Other people are raving about Ceroti, also available on amazon. My current long ride right now is about 80 miles and I have zero backside issues after riding that distance with any of the three The idea that you have to spend $200 on shorts or they are crap is not an accurate staemtent in my experience.
